Severe weather usually comes around the spring and summer months, but recent storms that hit Dallas, and an unusually warm winter in the region, have created conditions that are bringing some of that severe weather much earlier this year. If your home is damaged in a storm, these are the things a roofing contractor will be checking for to make sure the roof is repaired properly.

Shingle Damage

The first inspection priority is usually to check the shingles and make sure they have not suffered extensive damage that could lead to leaks and other issues. In many cases this requires a skilled roofer in Georgetown that can get up on the roof with the proper safety equipment and inspect the shingles up close. If they spot damage, they may recommend getting it repaired, replacing small sections of shingles, or perhaps even replacing the entire roof, depending on the extent of the damage.

Flashing Damage

The flashing is designed to protect against leaks around things that stick up from the roofing shingles, most commonly things like skylights, vents, and chimneys. If flashing becomes damaged, these areas are the most susceptible to precipitation and moisture finding its way into the attic and should be fixed immediately. The damage is usually in the form of rust or dents.

Gutter Damage

Gutters also play a very important role in roof health, and should be monitored regularly to make sure they are in good repair and not clogged. Gutters in Georgetown that have separated from the edge of the roofing, have gaps between sections, are not connected to the downspouts, or have clogs that prevent water from getting through are all hazardous to your shingles.

If you spot any of these signs, or suspect that you might have roofing damage in Georgetown after a severe storm, call a contractor right away to inspect and provide the necessary roof repair.

Getting the right siding for your home in Georgetown, TX is not hard to do, but it does require that you do a little bit of research, find a qualified roofing contractor who knows the best brands, and determine your personal style and preferences. In addition to getting siding that is aesthetically pleasing, you also want to find siding that provides added energy efficiency, reduces the need for maintenance, and improves your home’s overall value.

Learn About Your Options

The first and best place to start when finding home siding in Georgetown, TX is by learning what options are available. These options range from the more traditional vinyl siding, which comes in many different colors and styles, to things like fiber cement or aluminum. The one you choose depends on your budget and the final look that you want to achieve, but you can’t make an educated decision without first learning about all your options.

Consider the Climate

Living in Texas means you probably won’t need a siding material that is going to protect your home from extremely cold weather, but since there are often dangers of severe weather in this part of the country, you do want something that will be able to withstand things like high winds, hail, and heavy rains. Talk to a siding contractor in Georgetown, TX about which types are best suited to your climate.

Don’t Be Afraid to Go Outside the Box

When you think of siding, you might think about traditional horizontal slats that come in neutral colors like beige and gray, but that is definitely not all that is available. In fact, the latest advances include things like vertical siding, clapboard profiles that can be made to resemble wood, and even scallops for Queen Anne and Victorian home styles. You can also get it in a range of colors, so skip the beige and go bold with reds or blues if you would like. It is a good idea to consider your roof color and be sure to match your new siding to that.

Before you settle for just any siding, be sure to consult with a professional siding contractor so you can get the materials that will transform your home, look amazing, and add value.

When it comes to the roof over your head, it’s important that you get the best materials and products, installed by the best roofing contractor in Georgetown, TX. With so many roofing contractors out there, you need to know how to narrow the list so you hire the best. Here are a few key criteria to check before you hire.

1: A Highly Recommended Team

There is no better way to find a quality roofing contractor in Georgetown, TX than to look at what past customers, industry organizations, and business organizations have to say about them. Look for a company that is highly rated by places like the Better Business Bureau, and participates in local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce. In addition, you can check to see if they are certified with industry organizations and manufacturers, such as GAF.

2: A Local Company

Do the people from your roofing company live and work in your community? Sometimes roofers will come from other cities, counties, or states to try and drum up business in the Georgetown area. Unfortunately when you work with someone who is from out of town, you might be the victim of unscrupulous contractors who will take your money and never deliver on the promised work, or you might just find it frustrating to try and get them to come back to redeem a warranty or fix something that went wrong. Instead look for roofers who are part of the community, and who are giving back by volunteering to make the community a better place.

3: A Roofer That Offers the Services You Need

Not all roofing contractors in Georgetown have experience with every type of roofing. Before you hire, check the company’s background to find out if they offer comprehensive services that include the ones you need. Just like you wouldn’t go to a dermatologist to provide heart surgery, it doesn’t make sense to go to a roofing contractor for one type of roof if they don’t have the experience to provide it.

Summer weather is making its way to Texas, and right now is the best time to make a few repairs on your roofing and home before the hottest months arrive. In fact, taking care of these five important repairs during your “spring cleaning” this year can help ensure that your home in Georgetown is ready to withstand even the most punishing summer weather and keep you safe and sound (and cool) the whole season.

Missing and Loose Shingles

Generally one of the easiest roofing problems to spot is missing shingles. This is also one of the potentially most damaging problems, since missing shingles open up the roofing support structure (the underlayment) to the weather above, and unlike your shingles it’s not designed to withstand things like rain, hail, and UV rays. Have a Georgetown roofing contractor come and replace or repair those damaged shingles right away.

Warped or Stained Roofing Tiles

Another obvious sign of distress on your Georgetown roofing is stains or areas that show visible signs of warping and sagging. Stains are usually indicative of water damage that has gone beyond the shingles, and warping or sagging probably indicate issues with the support structure underneath. In either case, call a professional roofer to check it out right away.

Structural Roof Repairs

If you have things like chimneys or skylights protruding out of your roofing in Georgetown, that is the most likely place you will find leaks if they are not properly maintained. Be sure to inspect around them regularly, or call a roofer in Georgetown, to make sure there are no problems or to fix any that they find.

Siding Repairs

The siding on your home is designed to protect it, to look great, and to provide an added layer of insulation. Some of the most common problems that homeowners find with their siding include:

Missing sections of siding

Damage to the seals between siding panels

Insect infestations

Hail damage

If you see any of these issues, now is the time to repair them, or to call in a professional to help.

Deck Repairs

A deck is the most important part of your outdoor sanctuary, but in order to be a place where family and friends can gather, you need to make sure it’s safe and ready to handle everything from weeknight relaxation to weekend parties. Call a company to help inspect and repair the deck now so you’re prepared for the summer to come.

When you have a leak inside your house you can often hear the telltale “drip, drip” that alerts you to the problem. Unfortunately when you have a leak on your Georgetown roofing it could lead to extensive problems and expensive repairs, but there is often no way to know unless you regularly inspect and maintain your roof. If you suspect you might have a leak, here are a few ways you can find out for sure.

Inspect the Roof Regularly

The best way to prevent and avoid leaks is to have regular inspections on your Georgetown, TX roofing. If you are not comfortable getting up on the roof to check the shingles and flashing closely, hire a professional roofing contractor in Georgetown to come and do it for you. They will have the necessary safety equipment, tools, and expertise to spot and repair potential problems long before they lead to significant roof damage.

Check the Underside of the Roof (the Attic)

Getting up in your attic at least once a year is another good way to spot a leak early. Even if you don’t notice the leak from inside the house, you might see obvious signs in the attic such as:

Black streaks on the beams that support your Georgetown roofing

Mold or mildew growth on the roof support structure

Excessive humidity in the attic

Wet insulation

Dripping water (this is easiest to see during a rain storm)

Small beams of light visible through the roof

Look for Signs Inside the House

You generally won’t see the signs of a roof leak inside the house until it has been going on for a while. If there are signs inside, they will often manifest as small (and possibly growing) stains on the ceilings and walls of your home. You might notice the paint bubbling or see brown or black streaks that appear in the corners or along the walls. If you see these signs, get up to the attic immediately to determine if the problem is coming from a leak in your Georgetown roofing or from some other source (such as bad plumbing).

Once you discover that you have a leak, contact a Georgetown roofer immediately to come and fix the problem. The sooner you take care of it, the more likely you will be able to perform minor repairs rather than needing extensive repairs or even full roof replacement.